The SLCO worked very hard and, with the assistance of our local Councillors in Muskoka Lakes, successfully embedded important parts of our Stewardship and Lake Plan into the Township of Muskoka Lakes Official Plan. The SLCO, with assistance and support of other lake organizations, was also successful in encouraging Council to continue with the existing policy that prohibits aggregate operations within 2km from the Waterfront areas in the Township, while adding strengthening wording to it.
Although District staff was offering alternative wording, District Council supported the Township Council and approvedthe policies and wording that we had worked so hard to get into place.
Unfortunately, there have been a number of appeals filed with the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). Lippa and Miller Aggregates have appealed the proposed aggregate policies. A group called Our Muskoka, largely made of representatives of the development industry, have appealed our Skeleton Lake specific policies related to a 1 ha minimum lot size and 90 m minimum frontage for new lots.
Where do we go from here?
The OLT has set up a file (OLT-24-000035) to hear the appeals. An online Case Management Conference has been scheduled for March 21, 2024 to meet with the groups who are planning to participate in the hearing to determine:
Who will have party status (attendance, expert witnesses, right of cross examination)
Who will have participant status (written submissions only will to be considered by the Tribunal)
Hearing duration and scheduling including deadlines to file:
- a list of witnesses,
- evidence outlines,
- meetings of like-witnesses for opposing parties,
- Dates to file visual evidence
The Case Management Conference is not a time to present opinions or arguments, but rather an exercise to direct traffic. The SLCO and other lake organizations will attend the meeting to request party status at the hearing.
If you wish to watch or participate in the Ontario Land Tribunal proceedings on March 21 at 10:00 a.m., use this link and access code:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/519389173
Access Code: 519-389-173
